PALO ALTO— A 19-year-old American pilot, attempting to become the first solo flyer to reach all seven continents, has been detained in Antarctica.
The teenager, flying a Cessna 182, departed from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) without authorization and landed at Teniente R. Marsh Airport (TNM), violating Chilean and international aviation laws.
The pilot, Ethan Guo, was on a global journey to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His unapproved 771-mile flight to Antarctica, although marking a historic milestone, has led to legal trouble with Chilean authorities.
Photo: Ethan GuoPilot Detained in Antarctica
Ethan Guo (USA), an aviation enthusiast from California, embarked on a solo round-the-world flight to all seven continents with the goal of raising funds for childhood cancer treatment.
His aircraft, a Cessna 182, has carried him across six continents so far, documented actively on his Instagram profile, where he has over 1.3 million followers. Antarctica was his final destination.
However, Guo’s arrival on King George Island in Antarctica landed him in legal jeopardy. Chilean prosecutor Cristian Cristoso Rifo confirmed that Guo departed from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) in southern Chile and conducted an unauthorized flight to Teniente R. Marsh Airport (TNM), located in Chilean Antarctic territory.
Authorities state that Guo had submitted a limited flight plan that excluded Antarctic airspace. Upon landing, he was detained and charged under two articles of Chile’s Aeronautical Code, which penalizes unauthorized landings and unapproved international flight operations.
Photo: Ethan GuoChile Cites Multiple Regulatory Violations
Chilean officials allege that Guo violated both national and international regulations on accessing Antarctica. These laws are in place to control sensitive air routes, minimize environmental risks, and ensure the safety of both the pilot and other traffic in the polar region.
Prosecutors emphasized that the flight posed safety concerns and could have required an emergency response under extremely hazardous conditions.
Guo’s legal team argues that his diversion was due to unforeseen complications mid-flight. However, authorities remain unconvinced, citing the pre-filed flight plan that did not include King George Island.
The incident has sparked debate over balancing admiration for individual achievements with the need for strict compliance with aviation rules.
Balancing Admiration With Accountability
While many have praised Guo’s passion and charitable mission, aviation experts stress that safety protocols and international laws must be followed, especially in remote, high-risk regions like Antarctica.
The lack of authorization, misleading flight filing, and risk to emergency services raises serious concerns.
His case also serves as a precedent. Authorities worry that leniency could encourage similar unapproved expeditions, potentially jeopardizing lives and undermining Antarctic governance protocols.
Despite the controversy, Guo may still achieve symbolic success in completing his seven-continent goal. However, his final steps—both legal and logistical—will likely unfold under close international scrutiny.
Representative Photo: By Joao Carlos Medau from Campinas, Brazil – Cessna 152 PR-EJI, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31871377What Happens Next for the Young Aviator
Details remain unclear about how Guo and his aircraft will be transported out of Antarctica, given the region’s restricted flight activity and legal constraints.
Any departure would likely require coordinated efforts between Chilean aviation authorities and possibly the U.S. Embassy.
As his supporters await updates, the case underscores the complexities of combining ambitious private aviation with international regulations, especially in protected or disputed territories like Antarctica.
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